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Race may look different, but milk will still be at the center of victory lane
The Indianapolis 500 is going to look different this year, but the result will be the same with the winning driver drinking a bottle of milk in victory lane.
The Indianapolis 500 typically takes place in May, but the 104th running of the race will take place this Sunday without fans because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The tradition of drinking milk as a post-race celebration began in 1933 and dairy farmer Jill Houin will continue that tradition by presenting a bottle of milk to the winning driver this year.
“It’s going to be a little different but I really am excited about that tradition being carried on and the winner drinking the milk,” she says.
Houin says serving as an American Dairy Association of Indiana Milk Woman is an opportunity to connect with consumers and tell them about dairy farmers.
“I love sharing that story because these farmers are so passionate about what they do, the land, their family, their animals, and being sustainable,” she says. “It’s an amazing story and I love to share it.”
DeKalb County dairy farmer Tim Haynes is the Rookie Milk Person. He will present milk to the winning driving during the next Indianapolis 500.
Each year the American Dairy Association of Indiana hosts an event to introduce rookies to the tradition of drinking milk in victory circle. Rinus VeeKay of the Netherlands is this year’s fastest rookie and was honored during a virtual event on Tuesday.
